2025-07-03

Georgia Hosted the 75th Meeting of the “International Working Group on Data Protection in Technology”

On July 2-3, 2025, the Personal Data Protection Service of Georgia hosted the 75^th meeting of the International Working Group on Data Protection in Technology also known as the “Berlin Group.” The two-day event was held at Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University.

The meeting opened with a welcoming speech by Dr. Dr. Lela Janashvili, President of the Personal Data Protection Service of Georgia, who addressed ongoing challenges and emerging trends in personal data and privacy protection in the context of technological advancement.

Professor Jens Bender, Head of Division 25 – Technological Data Protection German Data Protection Supervisory Authority and Chair of the Berlin Group, also welcomed participants and shared his remarks.

The meeting brought together 25 representatives from 14 countries, along with delegates from the European Data Protection Supervisor (EDPS) and the Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC).

Discussions focused on the latest developments and pressing issues at the intersection of technology and data protection, including topics such as neurodata, 6G technology, digital identity, and more.

During the meeting, the Head of the President’s Office - Nikoloz Popiashvili and Dimitri Gugunava- Head of Digital Governance and Cyber Security Strategic Planning and Analytical Unit at the Digital Governance Agency of the Ministry of Justice of Georgia discussed current issues related to personal data protection in the process of providing state services, using the example of the unified portal of electronic services- MY.GOV.GE.

Representatives of supervisory authorities from participating countries delivered reports, sharing their national experiences and innovations in the field of personal data protection.

The Berlin Group serves as a forum for exchanging knowledge and best practices concerning the impact of technological progress on privacy and data protection.

The event was concluded by the First Deputy Head of the Personal Data Protection Service of Georgia, Mr. Otar Chakhunashvili, who summarized the outcomes of the meeting. In his closing remarks, he also encouraged participants to contribute articles to the Service’s  Journal of Personal Data Protection Law.

The International Working Group on Data Protection in Technologies, the so called the "Berlin Group" was established in 1983. Its aim is to develop recommendations for improving data protection standards in the fields of telecommunications and the internet. In addition to data protection supervisory authorities, the group includes representatives from public institutions, international organizations, and independent experts in privacy and data protection from around the world.

Notably, since March 21, 2016, the Personal Data Protection Service of Georgia has been a full member of the Berlin Group and has actively participated in its annual meetings, contributing to international dialogue on challenges and solutions in the sector.